A New Mural Brings Color, Collaboration and Community Pride to Bondurant’s City Park

Visitors to Bondurant’s City Park will notice a new splash of color greeting them at the south end of the grounds. In the public parking lot that serves parkgoers, a vibrant mural has been completed thanks to a creative partnership between professional artist Chris Vance, Bondurant-Farrar High School students and their art teacher Andrew Golightly.

The mural is the third collaboration between this group. In 2020, they transformed the bus barn with a bold design that quickly became a highly visible landmark for the community. A year later, they brightened the northern end of the City Park parking lot with another mural that welcomed visitors with energy and color. Now, their newest work on the southern end of the parking lot completes a trio of projects that demonstrate how art can evolve across a community — weaving together color, creativity and connection.

A Teacher’s Perspective

Art teacher Andrew Golightly reflected on the project, noting how it speaks to both the present and the future of Bondurant:

“I think in the current culture climate Bondurant doubling down on joy and making a space that is welcoming for everyone is truly special and I could not be more proud to have the privilege of watching my students have the opportunity to learn not only how to spray paint, but how to collaborate with each other and be able to have a personal investment in the city of Bondurant. I hope that other towns see the magic that can happen when cities invest in the youth and let them beautify their town with color and talent.”

For Golightly, the project is more than just an art installation. It is a chance for young people to feel the weight and privilege of creating something permanent in their city — a reminder that their creativity matters and can shape the community where they live.

Students Finding Their Voice

For the students, the mural offered lessons that stretched beyond art techniques. Under the guidance of Golightly and Vance, they refined design concepts, mixed colors and worked under the summer sun to bring their vision to life. More importantly, they learned how to collaborate, adapt and take pride in their contributions.

One student shared:

“Being able to help a local artist with his work was incredibly motivating. Chris Vance’s way of trusting the process and embracing mistakes really changed my view as an artist. It was an honor to leave a mark on the community and see people stop by to appreciate the mural.”

Another student reflected on the experience as both fun and formative:

“The opportunity this afternoon was great and a fantastic experience. It was exciting to learn a new form of paint and art in general. Everyone was super helpful and the atmosphere was great throughout! The techniques I learned from spray painting are something I will take with me throughout my art journey. Thank you so much to Chris Vance for letting me tag along and help with this beautiful project.”

Together, these reflections highlight how public art can nurture confidence, spark curiosity and leave lasting impressions on young people. For many of these students, this project was their first time painting at such a large scale or contributing to a public piece of art. The lessons they carried away go far beyond the wall: embracing mistakes, trusting themselves and understanding that creativity has the power to connect people.

The Role of Chris Vance

Professional artist Chris Vance has been a constant partner in these projects, generously sharing his expertise and encouraging students to take creative risks. His willingness to let students experiment and even make mistakes created an atmosphere of trust and discovery. As one student noted, his advice — “do whatever feels right” — was both liberating and affirming.

Chris Vance’s guidance provided structure and expertise, while the students brought energy and imagination that made the mural uniquely their own.

Public Art as Community Investment

Projects like this highlight how cities can connect artists, schools and local governments in meaningful ways. By combining professional guidance with student creativity, the mural serves as both a bridge between generations and a visual reminder of what collaboration can achieve. Public art enhances quality of life, attracts visitors and strengthens community identity. For a fast-growing community like Bondurant, investments in art complement investments in housing, trails, and infrastructure. Growth is not only about numbers or square footage; it is also about building places with character, vibrancy and heart. Public art plays a key role in that balance by making public spaces more welcoming and reflective of the people who call the city home.

Bondurant has long prided itself on being a community where families can thrive, and this project reinforces that commitment. When residents and visitors see the mural, they see more than bright colors — they see the creativity of local students, the mentorship of a professional artist and the city’s willingness to invest in beauty and joy.

A Mural That Sparks Conversation

The mural is already doing its work as a catalyst for community pride. Students mentioned how people stopped by during the painting process — neighbors, families, even local police officers — to ask questions, offer compliments and express excitement about the project. That kind of engagement is exactly what public art is meant to inspire.

The piece also creates a natural gathering point at City Park. Whether someone is attending a youth sports game, taking a walk or simply passing through town, the mural offers a splash of color and an invitation to pause. It is a backdrop for photos, a conversation starter and a reminder of how creativity can transform even the most ordinary spaces.

An Invitation to the Community

Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience the new mural for themselves. Located in the south parking lot of City Park, it’s easy to find — and even easier to enjoy. The mural is more than paint on a wall; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of investing in young people and the role of art in shaping a community’s identity.

Through the combined efforts of Chris Vance, art teacher Andrew Golightly and Bondurant-Farrar High School students, an ordinary wall has become a lasting story of community and creativity. In Greater Des Moines (DSM), growth is not only measured in roads and buildings, but also in the spaces that spark conversation and make us proud to call this region home.

There are so many things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM)! From events and festivals to major attractions, living in DSM means having fun is a given. Check out the trails, Broadway shows, sports teams and more throughout the region. Find out what each community has to offer and build connections in DSM!